The Broncos will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 6:20 p.m. MT.
MATCHUP
As the Broncos head to Kansas City, a lot rides on the upcoming game against the Chiefs: control of the division, a chance to end an 11-game skid to their hated rivals and, simply, a win to continue the team's hopes to claim a postseason berth.
Given the Chiefs' talent and coaching, they remain the same caliber of opponent that the Broncos have seen in recent years, especially with quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center, even in spite of the struggles they dealt with at the beginning of the season. The 2018 league MVP's season been an up-and-down affair, but the highs — like his five-touchdown game vs. Las Vegas in Week 10 — shows the pieces are still there. Tight end Travis Kelce is still a monster, wide receiver Tyreek Hill is still incredibly fast and head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy are still some of the most creative offensive minds in the game. Denver's secondary will have to hold up a long time as Mahomes extends plays, but there will be some danger for him, too; safety Justin Simmons and cornerback Pat Surtain II have great hands and could give Mahomes headaches. The Broncos' pass rush was able to be productive without bringing extra rushers much against the Chargers, and if Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed can get to Mahomes on Sunday night, they'll make the day a lot easier for their teammates.
Like the defense, the Broncos' offense will have to match up against Mahomes, too. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater & Co. will have to deal with the pressure of keeping pace with an explosive Chiefs offense. With wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and Jerry Jeudy, the weapons are there — but Denver may also look to pound the ball with Javonte Williams. By bleeding the clock and controlling time of possession, the Broncos could limit the Chiefs' scoring opportunities and find themselves with a chance to escape Arrowhead with a win.
INJURY UPDATE
The Broncos downgraded running back Melvin Gordon III to out on Saturday with shoulder and hip injuries. Rookie Javonte Williams will start in his stead, Head Coach Vic Fangio said Friday. Seven players are listed as questionable for Denver: cornerback Nate Hairston (hip), guards Dalton Risner (back) and Quinn Meinerz (knee), tackles Bobby Massie (ankle) and Garett Bolles (ankle), defensive end Shelby Harris (ankle) and outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper (neck).
Two Chiefs — cornerback Rashad Fenton (knee) and offensive lineman Lucas Niang (ribs) — have been ruled out for the game, while starting running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) is questionable.
The full week's injury report can be viewed here.
WATCH ON TV: NBC
Play-by-Play: Al Michaels
Analyst: Cris Collinsworth
Sideline: Kathryn Tappen
WATCH ON MOBILE
In-market fans can stream the game on DenverBroncos.com or in the Broncos 365 app via mobile web on iOS on iPhones and iPads and through the Yahoo Sports app. Streaming is available on Android devices on the Yahoo Sports app only.
LISTEN LIVE
LOCAL ENGLISH RADIO (KOA - 850 AM/94.1 FM & The Fox - 103.5 FM)
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
NATIONAL RADIO (Westwood One)
Play-by-Play: Ryan Radtke
Analyst: Ryan Harris
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
